2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Kia K5

The 2021 Lexus ES lineup expanded to include the new ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). These models were priced similarly to the ES 350, which had a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive (FWD). Available in Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims, the ES 250 and ES 350 offered a range of options. Additionally, the ES 300h hybrid variant provided significant fuel economy improvements for a premium of $1,910. Lexus also introduced a limited-production Black Line Special Edition for the ES 350, featuring unique styling elements and a matching two-piece set of Zero Halliburton luggage.

The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition test car came loaded with features, including extra-cost paint, triple-beam LED headlights, and an adaptive variable suspension. The interior boasted a striking black and white design, with quality materials and high-end finishes. The F Sport trim added 19-inch wheels, unique styling details, and a sporty rear spoiler. Despite sharing a platform with the Toyota Avalon, the ES maintained its distinct Lexus identity, offering a long, lean, and artfully detailed exterior.

Kia offered the 2022 K5 in LX, LXS, GT-Line, EX, and GT trims, all equipped with a turbocharged engine. The LXS and GT-Line had optional AWD, while base prices ranged from $23,790 to $31,190. The test car, a K5 EX with FWD, extra-cost paint, and the EX Premium package, had an MSRP of $33,945. The K5's design was sleek and luxurious, continuing the Optima's tradition of leading its segment in style.

The test car's Glacial White Pearl paint paired with Ash Blue synthetic leather and matte-finish fake wood trim created an upscale interior. The K5's controls exuded quality, with a solid feel to the transmission shifter, door release handles, and steering wheel stalks. The car's low, long, and sleek design suggested a luxury sports sedan, while the interior offered a blend of style and utility, with logically laid-out controls and generous storage space.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The car offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available on the F Sport trim. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and had an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined. During testing, the car averaged 22.9 mpg.

The ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its claimed acceleration time, with a firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism. The adaptive damping suspension and Sport+ mode added to the driving enjoyment, though the car was louder inside than expected. While not an outright sports sedan, the ES 350 F Sport offered a sporty driving experience, with the official Lexus sports sedans being the IS 350 F Sport and the upcoming IS 500 F Sport Performance.

The 2022 Kia K5 GT boasted a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GT was the most powerful and least efficient K5 variant, lacking AWD. The standard K5 engine was a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, with a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission.

The K5's standard turbo-four offered linear power delivery with little low-end lag, thanks to torque availability between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. Drive Mode Select allowed calibration of the powertrain, with Normal, Sport, Smart, and Custom settings. The K5 EX's 1.6-liter turbo proved well-matched to the car, offering adequate power for daily driving and merging onto freeways. The EPA rated the K5 EX at 31 mpg combined, with the car returning 29.1 mpg during testing.

The K5 EX allowed too much road noise into the cabin and had a suspension that struggled with small road anomalies. However, wind noise was minimal, and the car's 0.27 coefficient of drag contributed to a quiet ride at highway speeds. The EX Premium package added useful features like a surround-view camera system and bumper sensors, enhancing the car's practicality.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a daring interior layout that remained functional, with sport-bolstered front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided excellent comfort, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed good foot and legroom, rear air conditioning vents, and an available power rear window sunshade. Outward visibility was excellent, and storage was plentiful, though oddly configured. The trunk measured 13.9 cubic feet, with an optional hands-free power trunk for added convenience.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered comfort with dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic glass sunroof added natural light to the interior, and the power sunroof shade operated smoothly. While getting in and out of the low-slung K5 was challenging, the front seats were comfortable, and the SynTex synthetic leather was convincing. Rear passengers had ample room, though hard plastic front seatback panels could be a liability.

The K5's controls were logically laid out, blending style with utility. Storage space was generous, with a roomy bin under the center armrest, a dedicated smartphone charging slot, and hidden trays in the door panel armrests. The K5's 16 cubic-foot trunk offered plenty of cargo space, with a Smart Trunk feature for added convenience.

The 2021 Lexus ES had a problematic touchpad interface, requiring drivers to look at the screen to navigate functions. However, the climate and primary stereo controls were separate and easily accessible. The ES featured dynamic voice command technology, a 12.3-inch widescreen display, and a 10-speaker premium sound system. The larger screen added dynamic navigation and connected services, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system available.

The 2022 Kia K5 offered two infotainment systems. The standard setup included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT-Line trim and above featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen, requiring a cable for smartphone integration. The K5 also offered satellite radio, Kia Connect subscription services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system. The Premium package added a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Active Sound Design technology. The K5's voice recognition technology was subpar, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto essential.

The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims except the base. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia K5 excelled in driver assistance systems, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist. The EX Premium package added cyclist detection, Junction Turning Assist, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a surround-view monitoring system. The K5 achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.